Jodi Quibell, Thanks for Doing Some Good!
What first inspired you to volunteer?
My sister-in-law has operated a small program called 'The Christmas Store' in Cherryville, B.C. for many years. Children from the local elementary school can "shop" for Christmas gifts using canned food as currency, with the food then being donated to the local food bank. In November of 2012, I decided to offer a similar program here in Kelowna, except that it is open to the general public. This is when 'Food for Gifts' was born.
Which cause are you most passionate about and why?
I am passionate about helping others in whatever way I can. If I had to choose a specific cause, it would be anything related to children. Each generation has the opportunity to do better, be better, and serve better than the previous one. My wish is that I could show each child the power of giving rather than expecting, and to help them become resilient and capable. This would help our next generation be stronger and kinder than the last.
Which organization do you most commonly volunteer for?
The Save Kindness Society, which I founded in February of 2015.
What does a typical volunteer shift look like for this organization?
You'll find me doing every possible role associated with operating a nonprofit - sorting donations, distributing kindness packages, book-keeping, sending emails, writing proposals, banking, making connections, etc.
What impact have you seen volunteers make in the community?
Volunteers can make or break an organization. I am very protective of The Save Kindness Society and have a select few, truly kind people associated with our organization - as opposed to having those who are kind only when the cameras are on or if they are guaranteed recognition. An organization's values are represented, in part, by the type of volunteers they have - this is why I choose wisely.
What is the most memorable moment or experience you've had while volunteering?
There have been many moments that will live on in my memory. One of my favourites was a Facebook conversation I had with two different women just before Christmas last year. One woman, a single mom, wanted to give a Christmas dinner and gifts to a family that may not otherwise be able to enjoy. She spoke with her siblings and her children and they all agreed to put money towards helping someone else, rather than buying for each other. The other woman I messaged with, also a single mom, said she would be so grateful to receive such a blessing. What an honour to be the person helping choose the receiving family! By the end of the two conversations, we were all in tears. Connections are a beautiful thing.
What support does your organization currently need, and how can people learn more or get involved?
The Save Kindness Society, being a relatively new non-profit, has limited sources of sustainable funding. We maintain a small storage unit, purchase tangible items needed by other community organizations, and provide support to those individuals that fall through the cracks (e.g. working poor, independant seniors, etc). We have recently opened an online second-hand store on Facebook, Second Chance Boutique, to try and cover our expenses, but the process of sorting donations, taking and uploading photos, then arranging to meet the purchasers has been challenging with limited help. Having more honest, hard-working, truly kind-hearted individuals to volunteer with us would be a blessing! And, of course, a generous benefactor that believes in the power of kindness would be great!
Is there anyone else you would like to recognize that has helped support you to make a difference?
The people that have been the most supportive are the types of people that believe kindness is done in secret. I tell these wonderful souls as much as I can how very grateful I am for their hard work, dedication, love and support.